Context and Formation
Lovebites was founded in Tokyo in 2016 by Haruna and former bassist Miho, both from the disbanded band Destrose, which split in 2015. The current lineup, solidified since October 2022 with Fami’s arrival on bass, reflects ongoing evolution. The band signed with Victor Entertainment and released their debut EP, The Lovebites EP, in 2017, followed by albums like Awakening from Abyss and Clockwork Immortality in 2018, earning the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Award for Best New Band that year. In 2024, they remain active with releases and global tours, including Lovebites EP II, launched in August during the The Thin Line Between Love and Hate tour.
Detailed Member Profiles
Below is a table with detailed information about each member, including roles, origins, influences, and notable achievements, sourced from reliable references like the official fan site and Wikipedia.
Member | Birth Name | Role | Birthplace | Birthday | Background and Influences | Notable Achievements and Previous Groups | Image URL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Asami | Asami | Lead Vocals | Japan | July 10 | Trained in R&B and soul, influenced by Alicia Keys and Aretha Franklin; 16 years of classical ballet, studied jazz and hip-hop in the US | Backing vocalist on tours with VAMPS and UVERworld, provided backing vocals for other artists; Groups: VAMPS, UVERworld, Lovebites | |
Miyako | Watanabe Miyako | Guitar, Piano, Backing Vocals | Osaka, Japan | April 5 | Classical piano since age 3, guitar in high school; influenced by Deep Purple, Rainbow, Ritchie Blackmore, Timothy Henson, Scott LePage, Ettore Rigotti (composition) | Groups: DROP OF JOKER, 21g, SONIC LOVER RECKLESS, Lovebites | |
Midori | Tatematsu Midori | Guitar, Backing Vocals | Japan | May 28 | Piano at age 2, electric organ at 8, guitar at 20; graduated from Musicians Institute Japan, Osaka; influenced by Kiko Loureiro, Nuno Bettencourt, Yngwie Malmsteen | Known for "flashy and aggressive" solos; Groups: Gekijo★METALicche, Lovebites | |
Haruna | Haruna | Drums, Backing Vocals | Shizuoka, Japan | December 30 | Drums since age 13, keyboard composition at 14; favorite band B’z, influenced by Helloween’s Master of the Rings , Uli Kusch’s style | Met Miho in Destrose (disbanded 2015); Groups: DESTROSE, Lovebites | |
Fami | Not provided | Bass | Japan | Not provided | 20 years old, live performances since teens, worked with various artists; produced a solo album (music and lyrics), YouTube channel with 650k subscribers and 58M views, started in high school | Announced in October 2022, featured in "Bravehearted" video; no prior groups listed |
Individual Analysis
- Asami: As the lead vocalist, Asami commands attention at shows with a powerful voice blending soul and R&B, an unexpected twist in a metal band that adds emotional depth to their songs. Her 16 years of classical ballet and dance studies in the US (jazz and hip-hop) shine through in her captivating stage presence. Before Lovebites, she was a backing vocalist on tours with VAMPS and UVERworld, showcasing her versatility. Fans praise her performance in tracks like "Don’t Bite The Dust," which balances melody and intensity.
Miyako and Midori: The guitarists form an impressive technical duo. Miyako, trained in classical piano since age 3, brings a melodic approach, influenced by Deep Purple and Ritchie Blackmore, and also plays piano, contributing to arrangements. Midori, known for "flashy and aggressive" solos, draws from Yngwie Malmsteen and Nuno Bettencourt, with her formal training at Musicians Institute Japan in Osaka underscoring her skill. Together, they craft the riffs and solos that form the backbone of Lovebites’ sound.
Haruna: On drums, Haruna is a co-founder alongside Miho, bringing experience from Destrose. She started at 13, influenced by Helloween and Uli Kusch’s style, with B’z as her favorite band. Her keyboard composition since age 14 highlights her versatility, and her energy drives the band’s live dynamics, especially on tours like 2024’s.
- Fami: The newest addition, Fami, on bass, is an emerging talent. At 20, she already has a robust solo career, with an album she fully wrote and a YouTube channel boasting 650,000 subscribers and 58 million views, launched in high school. Her integration shone in the 2024 The Thin Line Between Love and Hate tour, with performances at festivals like Rock Imperium and Hellfest, marking debuts in Mexico and South Korea. Her online presence could draw a new generation of fans to the band.
Recent Activities and Impact
In 2024, Lovebites undertook the The Thin Line Between Love and Hate tour from June 14 to September 12, with 17 shows across 16 cities in 10 countries, including four sold-out solo concerts in Europe and three in the US, plus debuts in Mexico (Titans of Metal Fest, March 1, 2025) and South Korea. They released Lovebites EP II on August 28 during the tour, reinforcing their global reach. The tour featured festivals like Rock Imperium, Resurrection Fest (Spain), Hellfest (France), and ProgPower USA (Atlanta, Georgia), showcasing their worldwide relevance. In 2025, they kicked off the Eternal Phenomenon Tour in Japan with nine concerts, including stops in each member’s hometown, strengthening their bond with local fans.
Conclusion
Lovebites continues to redefine female-fronted heavy metal, with each member bringing a unique story and essential contributions. From Asami’s soulful voice to Fami’s digital presence, alongside Midori and Miyako’s technical prowess and Haruna’s foundational role, they form a cohesive, innovative group. Their 2024 tour and recent releases signal they’re just beginning to conquer the world, and fans can anticipate more surprises ahead.
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